CBS 58 OAK CREEK. Wis. (CBS 58) -- An extension of the Oak Leaf Trail is now open in Oak Creek.
Milwaukee County Parks held a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday morning, Sept.17 to celebrate the completion of the 1.3-mile extension of the trail at Bender Park.
The new, 10-foot-wide paved addition takes the south shoreline of the Oak Leaf Trail south to Oakwood Road, through Bender Park's prairies and woodlands with views of Lake Michigan.
It also closes a gap in the trail network, creating 20 continuous miles for trail users, connecting Milwaukee and Racine County.
"This means more opportunities for residents and visitors to walk, bike, be active, and explore our parks, connect with our communities throughout the region," said Guy Smith, executive director for Milwaukee County Parks.
The project was funded by a federal grant, along with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and Milwaukee County Parks.
A second phase of work -- improvements to Bender Park Road -- will start this fall.
The extension is part of the county's two-year goal to add ten miles of new trails by the end of this year and parks officials say they are on track.
